November 3, 2004, NSD Annual Council Morning Devotional
by JUC Secretary Masaki Shoji

On the second day of the NSD Annual Council, Elder Masaki Shoji, secretary of the Japan Union Conference, delivered a sermon during the morning devotional.

At his morning devotional, Elder Shoji, said, “Now, Japan is facing serious problems. This year, there were 24 typhoons and 10 of them hit Japan with a lot of damages. 10 days ago, 7 large earthquakes had stricken Niigata prefecture in Japan and many people died and got injured, and even a bullet train was derailed in Shinkansen Line by the quakes. Japan is in a very serious situation of not only more and more accidents, but mental problems such as committing suicides.”

“A lot of people are looking for hope and love to be happy, as we know that “Winter Sonata” a Korean TV drama which has the theme, “Pure Love or True Love,” is very popular now in Japan .”

“Although Japan is one of the richest countries in the world, people in Japan are losing their confidence and hope. More than 30,000 people took their own lives in 2003. What is most requested and necessary is “Jesus’ Spirituality.” It is only through Jesus for us to lead our lives. We need Jesus’ Spirituality to propagate His Love to those who are wondering for hope and love,” Elder Shoji emphasized.

NSD Annual Council Time Table (November 2-8, 2004)